Matzen
247 posts
Sep 05, 2011
1:54 AM
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Just wondering what tuners are being used to tune harmonicas? Can you get away with using a cheap one?
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Matzen
250 posts
Sep 05, 2011
9:58 AM
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So you feel that you can get an accurate enough reading from a Korg CA-30 to fine tune a harp? I think I might have a couple of those lying aeound somewhere! I have to admit that I didn't think it would be accurate enough. Is the LED needle pretty stable when tuning?
Thanks!
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groyster1
1363 posts
Sep 05, 2011
10:16 AM
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I first bought a korg to tune a dulcimer but use it to determine the accuracy of my bends-its a great tuner
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Matzen
253 posts
Sep 05, 2011
1:23 PM
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Just did a little digging and found a Sabine Metrotune MT9000, a Profile PMT-3000, and a Korg CA-20 lying around. They all seem a bit old! I wonder if there is a big differance between the Korg CA-20 and CA-30? It looks like they have a CA-40 now? I need to get some batteries!
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Last Edited by on Sep 05, 2011 1:24 PM
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arzajac
630 posts
Sep 05, 2011
1:53 PM
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I bought a Korg CA-1 and the needle bobbs around but you get used to reading it after a little practice.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/KORG-CA1-CHROMATIC-TUNER-NEW-/140454936101?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3c43e25
I bought this to use as a metronome and it is a very decent tuner too. I've tuned quite a few harps with it. I think I got it for $5 with the shipping included.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Guitar-Ukulele-Chromatic-Metronome-Tuner-/130572293029?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1e66b713a5
There are online/downloadable software tuners that work just as well so long as you have a microphone you can plug into your computer. The needle jumps around about the same. You can try that and if you really can't stand it, then invest in something more expensive like a professional strobe tuner.
I also use my piano and my ears.
Edit: I forgot to mention to warm up the harp and relax. *You* will be the greatest source of inaccuracy. If the needle is jumping around, blame yourself before you blame the tuner. Relax your shoulders and breathe softly.
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Last Edited by on Sep 05, 2011 1:57 PM
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Rick Shanks
94 posts
Sep 05, 2011
2:47 PM
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Have been using the Korg for years.. I find the main thing with tuning reeds is to work slowly and return to the harp after a few days to recheck things as often the pitch will change as they settle.
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KiwiRick
http://www.richardshanksart.com
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Matzen
257 posts
Sep 05, 2011
3:42 PM
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Thanks everyone for the imput. I've found myself really liking Golden Melodys lately, but I'm not so keen on the tuning (not right now anyway, this could change down the road?), and would like to tune them up more like a Marine Band. Although once I get my supplies and revamp and seal some of my old Marine Bands (thanks to tips from "arzajac") maybe I'll have a new favorite harp? I'm sure those will also need a bit of tuning up!
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groyster1
1364 posts
Sep 05, 2011
3:48 PM
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@Matzen
dont like the tuning of golden melodys either tho they are great harps otherwise I have some old mb1896s that are 7limit JI-thats what I want
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arzajac
633 posts
Sep 05, 2011
4:26 PM
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Groyster and Matzen: Suzuki compromised tuning is to lower the 3rds by 5 cents (or is it 8 or ten?) Anyway, that's it - that's the only change! Simple and quick. You can even do it with some Blu-Tak and see if you like the result. Takes just a few minutes of easy work.
Using a cheap tuner, you don't even need to be that accurate. Aim for -5 cents and play an octave, tune until there are no beats. Cheap tuner and your ears.
It's not JI, but it takes the edge off ET. Very practical.
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Last Edited by on Sep 05, 2011 4:28 PM
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Matzen
260 posts
Sep 05, 2011
4:33 PM
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That does sound a bit easier. I was looking at doing something like this:
*first no. = reed, and second no.= (+) <-> cents
BLOW REEDS
1= (0) | 2= <-10> | 3= (+1) | 4= (0) | 5= <-10> | 6= (+1) | 7= (0) | 8= <-10> | 9= (+1) | 10= (0)
DRAW REEDS
1= (+2) | 2= (+1) | 3= <-10> | 4= (+2) | 5= <-5> | 6= (+3) | 7= <-10> | 8= (+2) | 9= <-5> | 10= (+3)
I am confused tho, by what you mean by thirds? Do ya mean if I have a "C" harp, than I should lower all the "E's" by 5 cents?
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Last Edited by on Sep 05, 2011 5:40 PM
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mandowhacker
86 posts
Sep 05, 2011
6:06 PM
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Peterson's Strobo-Soft. It's more accurate than I am PLUS unlike all those little digital clip-on things, I can always find my laptop. Access is everything.
I have a Sabine 9000 in my dashboard. I just might be the only simi on the highways with an in-dash metronome!!
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Just when I got a paddle, they added more water to the creek.
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dukeofwail
68 posts
Sep 06, 2011
4:41 PM
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Korg CA-30 for me. Like it fine.
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Robert Hale
Learn Harmonica via Webcam
Low Rates, High Results
DUKEofWAIL.com
DUKEofWAIL YouTube
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KingBiscuit
100 posts
Sep 06, 2011
4:44 PM
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Korg CA-30 Works well for me and battery seems to last forever.
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RyanMortos
1123 posts
Sep 06, 2011
6:16 PM
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Korg CA-40. Yeah, I guess I'm different, lol. This is #1 sold on Amazon for $15 right now. Customizers I've seen tune have used the Peterson strobe tuner. For $200 you can get the Digital version but it's got a bit of a learning curve, imo.
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Steven Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
See My Profile for contact info, etc.
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